Cuaron previously won the 2014 Golden Globe for Best Director, and 'Gravity' also marks his first Best Director nomination and win. He was previously nominated for Oscars for 'Children of Men' (Film Editing and Adapted Screenplay) and 'Y tu mamá también' (Best Writing, Original Screenplay).

Aside from directing, Cuaron co-wrote the script for 'Gravity' with his son, Jonas Cuaron, who conceived the original story. The film starred Sandra Bullock (nominated for Best Actress) and George Clooney as a medical engineer and veteran astronaut, respectively, performing some routine maintenance on a satellite. When a swarm of debris caught in Earth's gravitation collides with their station, the majority of the crew are killed and the two are left free floating in open space.